How to Break a Fast

By: Ron Lagerquist

You have completed a thirty-day fast. It has been a wonderful spiritual retreat, a time of refreshment with God. A withdrawal from the temptations of this world. A period of inner reflection, quiet meditation and prayer, lifted out of this world into a lofty realm where there are no earthly distractions from communing with your Father. But now the fast has ended. It is time to return to the world of eating, a world that may have represented addiction, bondage and control.

Breaking an extended fast can be difficult. This is especially true if you were in bondage to food. It is often a period of attack. Satan wants control over your life and food has been a powerful lever. Is it possible to enter back into the world of eating and remain self-controlled? The answer is yes! Fasting was never meant to be an escape from Satan's kingdom, but a springboard to equip you in overcoming. Fear not--God has developed within you the Spirit of self-control, authority to say no!

When waking up a slumbering digestive system, the desire to eat will be intense. The flavors and textures of food will be enhanced by super clean nasal passages. Eating will be a brand new experience. This is the time to flex your new-found muscles of discipline and self-control. As the body screams, I want more, wisdom whispers, you have had enough. Fasting has schooled you in the fact that contentment does not come from a full belly but maintaining spiritual fellowship with the Bread of Life. My food is to do the will of him who sent me (John 4:34).

Eating small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables for the first five or six days will allow the body to gently wake up the digestive system. The body will continue to detoxify and cleanse during this period. Any toxins that have accumulated will begin to move due to the sweeping action of the soft fibers of fruits and vegetables.

For six days gradually increase the amount of raw fruits and vegetables in your diet. To break a fast and gorge on meat, bread or junk food will be disaster. Jarring the system this intensely when the digestive system is in a sensitive state can cause stomach cramps, nausea and weakness, negating much of the benefits of the fast.

Eat slowly and chew your food well. Saliva has enzymes that assist in digestion. Up to 80 percent of the starch, 30 percent of the protein and 10 percent of the fat can be digested by the enzymes in saliva.

Do not overeat! Discover the amount of food that your body needs to live a vibrant, healthy life.

Make juices during the breaking period. Juices are gentle nourishment to the body. Most continue to include juice in their daily routine, for the rest of their lives.

Continue in the same prayerfulness you had during the fast. God should be just as much a part of your eating as He was part of your fasting.

Educate yourself on how to begin a lifestyle of healthy eating. Fasting is a wonderful new beginning, a foundation for a lifelong, healthy diet.

Discern the difference between cravings and hunger. Never feed your emotions.

When breaking a fast over ten days, the break-in period should be extended one day for every 4 days of fasting.

An interesting phenomenon occurs after a fast. The years of conditioning your body to tolerate unhealthy foods is reversed. The body is as clean as a new-born baby. Try feeding a new-born baby Grandma's apple pie.

When the body is full of toxins, its defense systems are not able to operate effectively. After a fast the natural defenses are able to perform the way God intended. Sensitivity to unhealthy food is increased. You will feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food and sluggish and tired when overeating. Rich foods, full of fat, salt, and processed sugars will cause nausea, headaches and weakness. A handful of fruit will be thoroughly satisfying. Because the digestive system has to work less, there will be boundless energy to spare.

Awesome info. I am on my longest fast ever. Day 19 of 21. I feel SOOO alive and powerful. Just finished a great swim workout and feel sooo at peace. Was questioning how to break a fast of this length as my fasts have been 3-7 with only one of 17 days. Wanted to do it right, but not even hungry. Fed by God. Sooo cool. Thanks for you great page.